(Miri, 5th) The 11th Miri Dayak Harvest Festival Bazaar (Gawai Dayak Bazaar, abbreviated as GDB) was grandly opened last Saturday (3rd) at the Permyjaya bazaar site, showcasing a rich cultural atmosphere, community unity spirit, and entrepreneurial vitality. The opening ceremony was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
This annual event, organized by the Sarawak Dayak Descendants Vision Association (GADS), attracted enthusiastic participation from all ethnic groups under the theme "Bedagang, Berami, Begawai". The opening ceremony was also attended and supported by Miri Mayor and Pujut constituency state assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang, and Miri District Council representative Senior Administrative Officer Edward Tarang.
In his speech, Datuk Snowdan Lawan stated that the Dayak Harvest Festival is not just a cultural celebration but also a platform for community economic development and social interaction.
He pointed out that such activities help community economic growth by promoting small businesses, handicrafts, and food stalls. He also announced that the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts has allocated RM20,000 to support the smooth operation of this year's bazaar.
"The Dayak Harvest Festival Bazaar symbolizes our strength in unity and is a combination of cultural heritage, entrepreneurial innovation, and community cohesion." he said.
Mayor Adam Yii stated that Miri is a city of multicultural integration, and the bazaar showcases the unique charm of Dayak culture while also serving as a platform for all ethnic groups to celebrate and understand each other.
He announced a RM5,000 allocation from the municipal council for the event and revealed plans to consider expanding the bazaar's scale to meet future growth needs.
He said that such activities not only promote cultural exchange but also further strengthen relationships and harmony between different ethnic groups.
The event also featured traditional dance performances, the "Nganchau Tikai" mat-laying ceremony, and a special performance by artist Ricky Andrewson, adding glamor to the event.
This year's bazaar is held from May 1st to 24th, with a total of 74 stalls offering food, beverages, and traditional handicrafts, along with various exciting programs like singing competitions, cooking contests, traditional games, and ethnic costume exhibitions.
"Bedagang" signifies the spirit of trading, "Berami" represents enthusiastic community participation, and "Begawai" symbolizes the celebration of harvest and the heritage of ancestors.
The Dayak Harvest Festival Bazaar is not just a festive event but an important platform promoting local economic development, traditional culture promotion, and strengthening ethnic harmony.
